posted by Karen at
9:32 p.m.
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Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Hiking Uncertainty
We spent several hours today planning food, making lists, shopping, and dehydrating vegetables and we are almost set to leave Sunday for Tom's annual hiking trip, but the whole plan is teetering on the edge. Bill broke his foot. Yes, Bill, who rock climbs, mountain climbs, mountain bikes, road bikes, surfs, windsurfs and runs half-marathons at the drop of a hat, broke his foot. Playing volleyball. He'll be on crutches for 6 weeks. Not even a cool story to show for it. He's swearing off "safe" sports.
So now, Dominique is thinking of bailing (not sure yet if it is because Bill's her close friend, or if it is now a safetly concern -- we think that Bill could probably carry out if one of us broke a leg, or at least run and get help quicker than anyone.) With Dominique currently hiking in the Yukon, and Tom in England, the challenge now is to figure out what we want to do. We still haven't booked the float plane. We might end up just doing a circle route now, instead of the one-way trip we were planning.
So now, Dominique is thinking of bailing (not sure yet if it is because Bill's her close friend, or if it is now a safetly concern -- we think that Bill could probably carry out if one of us broke a leg, or at least run and get help quicker than anyone.) With Dominique currently hiking in the Yukon, and Tom in England, the challenge now is to figure out what we want to do. We still haven't booked the float plane. We might end up just doing a circle route now, instead of the one-way trip we were planning.
posted by Karen at
10:28 p.m.
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Friday, July 07, 2006
Saxifrage Hike
Over the Canada Day long weekend, Pete, Bill, Bill's friend Christina and I did an overnight trip to Saxifrage Peak, just north of Pemberton.
A logging road took us to the trailhead starting with good elevation, then we gained elevation very quickly via switchbacks that took us through mossy old growth forest. I never really appreciated why environmentalists wanted to save old growth until I saw it -- The forest really looked enchanted with the density and variety of plant life. The entire forest floor of this part of the forest was a thick, dense mat of moss. We noticed tags indicating the location for a new road -- looks like they are going to log some of it, which will be a shame.
We emerged to an open valley covered in grass, heathers and anemones (the montane?) and an hour later, we hit some uphill bushwacking until we finally emerged in the subalpine.
We arrived at the lake where the book recommended to camp and took a break. Though it was an awesome campsite, we thought it was a little too buggy, and we decided to try to find a place in the col between Saxifrage and Cassiope.
There was lots of snow still, so the sight of hundreds of cascading streamlets was fantastic. And we wouldn't have any trouble finding water. Bill hiked ahead, and when he got to the col, we could see he looked pretty happy -- it was a perfect campsite: a perfectly flat rock to pitch the tents, located perfectly with views of the mountains to the south and east, running water from pure snow melt a few feet away, a ledge to cook on, and NO bugs. A few weeks earlier, and the site would have covered in snow. A month later, the snow might be gone and water would be a problem.
I was pretty cold because I brought a +15deg sleeping bag, but the stars were awesome. I saw the biggest meteorite I have ever seen that night.
The next day we tried to go up to Saxifrage Peak. The route finding was a little tricky, so I stayed back about 100m from the top, but Bill and Pete made it up. From there, we could see Pemberton and Mt. Currie, the Joffre group and Joffre Lakes and Lilloet Lake.
...
A logging road took us to the trailhead starting with good elevation, then we gained elevation very quickly via switchbacks that took us through mossy old growth forest. I never really appreciated why environmentalists wanted to save old growth until I saw it -- The forest really looked enchanted with the density and variety of plant life. The entire forest floor of this part of the forest was a thick, dense mat of moss. We noticed tags indicating the location for a new road -- looks like they are going to log some of it, which will be a shame.
We emerged to an open valley covered in grass, heathers and anemones (the montane?) and an hour later, we hit some uphill bushwacking until we finally emerged in the subalpine.
We arrived at the lake where the book recommended to camp and took a break. Though it was an awesome campsite, we thought it was a little too buggy, and we decided to try to find a place in the col between Saxifrage and Cassiope.
There was lots of snow still, so the sight of hundreds of cascading streamlets was fantastic. And we wouldn't have any trouble finding water. Bill hiked ahead, and when he got to the col, we could see he looked pretty happy -- it was a perfect campsite: a perfectly flat rock to pitch the tents, located perfectly with views of the mountains to the south and east, running water from pure snow melt a few feet away, a ledge to cook on, and NO bugs. A few weeks earlier, and the site would have covered in snow. A month later, the snow might be gone and water would be a problem.
I was pretty cold because I brought a +15deg sleeping bag, but the stars were awesome. I saw the biggest meteorite I have ever seen that night.
The next day we tried to go up to Saxifrage Peak. The route finding was a little tricky, so I stayed back about 100m from the top, but Bill and Pete made it up. From there, we could see Pemberton and Mt. Currie, the Joffre group and Joffre Lakes and Lilloet Lake.
...
posted by Karen at
12:54 p.m.
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Saturday, July 01, 2006
Canada Day
Port Moody's Canada Day celebrations included having Trooper, and the Powder Blues play. What does New Westminster get? The Langley Ukelele Ensemble!
I love New West for its slightly anachronistic quirkiness. In May, there is the week-long Hyack festival, which includes events such as electing a May queen and Maypole dancing. I think Pete took part in the Maypole dancing when he was 7. I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures of that.
Mostly I just worked on the garden, then we went to visit Pete's friend Rob. He moved into a beautifully renovated 100 year old farmhouse just over a year ago. The original garage houses his large woodworking shop and a 1963 (?) Ford Skyliner that he is restoring. He built a new garage at the back to house his classic Cadillac and Ferrari (328 GTS? -- not sure about that). The regular car he drives is a Valiant - a push button automatic.
The Cadillac is fully restored, and he's looking to do a few touch ups. And let's just say the Skyliner has a way to go. Car enthusiasts will already know this, but the best thing about the Skyliner? Automatic retractable hard top. He's planning on getting both judged soon.
As for the woodworking shop, he's starting a company "Cracked Lobster Wood Labs." Awesome name, eh? We saw him in the middle of producing his first product: a puzzle box in beautiful walnut. I offered to photograph the box for his website, so stay tuned for updates.
Finally, we dropped by a BBQ at one of Pete's friends. Great way to end up Canada Day.
We missed the Yaletown Grand Prix, but I'm happy to say that Drei won a gold medal! Yes, I'm on a first name basis with some of the Rocky Mountain Racing team :P
A bunch of people from work were there cheering on our team with cowbells in hand. With such a tight course, it looked like a lot of fun to watch.
I love New West for its slightly anachronistic quirkiness. In May, there is the week-long Hyack festival, which includes events such as electing a May queen and Maypole dancing. I think Pete took part in the Maypole dancing when he was 7. I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures of that.
Mostly I just worked on the garden, then we went to visit Pete's friend Rob. He moved into a beautifully renovated 100 year old farmhouse just over a year ago. The original garage houses his large woodworking shop and a 1963 (?) Ford Skyliner that he is restoring. He built a new garage at the back to house his classic Cadillac and Ferrari (328 GTS? -- not sure about that). The regular car he drives is a Valiant - a push button automatic.
The Cadillac is fully restored, and he's looking to do a few touch ups. And let's just say the Skyliner has a way to go. Car enthusiasts will already know this, but the best thing about the Skyliner? Automatic retractable hard top. He's planning on getting both judged soon.
As for the woodworking shop, he's starting a company "Cracked Lobster Wood Labs." Awesome name, eh? We saw him in the middle of producing his first product: a puzzle box in beautiful walnut. I offered to photograph the box for his website, so stay tuned for updates.
Finally, we dropped by a BBQ at one of Pete's friends. Great way to end up Canada Day.
We missed the Yaletown Grand Prix, but I'm happy to say that Drei won a gold medal! Yes, I'm on a first name basis with some of the Rocky Mountain Racing team :P
A bunch of people from work were there cheering on our team with cowbells in hand. With such a tight course, it looked like a lot of fun to watch.
posted by Karen at
10:31 p.m.
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